In these tough economic times we think it is important to again remind folks that the best things in life are free. To love, to be loved, and to give the gift of time is the best gift you can give to someone. This is an especially important message on Valentine’s Day 2012.

In our book, Building a Love that Lasts we report the findings and practical tips from our 27-year study of successfully marriage couples in the USA and around the world. In fact, we have interviewed couples on SIX continents of the world.

We found in our studies that there are seven pervasive characteristics that thread throughout all successful marriages. For our Valentine’s gift to you, we are pleased to offer suggestions related to each of those “seven surprising secrets” for saving your hard-earned money on Valentine’s Day by giving the most precious gift of all — your time!

Here goes, the Gift of Time just for you.

1. The Gift of Time for Turning “Two Into One” without Losing Individual Identity • Share ideas for what you would like to do together in 2012. • Talk about the dreams you share for yourself as well as for your marriage. • Find several favorite old photos and relive those precious moments together.

2. The Gift of Time so there are No “Sacred Cows” in your Marriage • Engage in an extended conversation about why you love each other. • Write your lover a note with three things you admire most about him or her. • Tell your lover something that has been a nice “secret” of yours over the years.

3. The Gift of Time to Show Respect for the One You Love • Treat her like a princess — treat him like a king. • Write an email telling your lover what you believe to be their greatest strength. • Make a note to put on the refrigerator door with a thank you for something special your lover did for you.

4. The Gift of Time for Good Health and Health Promotion • Cook a special healthy dinner and serve it by candlelight. • Take a long walk with your spouse for Valentine’s Day. • Hit the “snooze” button on your alarm clock at least three times so you can snuggle a little extra in the morning.

5. The Gift of Time for Marital Financial Health • Don’t go to the movies, make your own romantic movie together. • Forget the $60 bouquet of roses — instead paint or draw a bouquet or write a love note to your lover. • Don’t waste your money on jewelry or chocolates. Just tell why you love them.

6. The Gift of Time for Touching and Intimacy • Take a long walk together holding hands. • Make romantic time for intimacy.

7. The Gift of Time To Make Your Marriage Spontaneously Exciting • Have breakfast in bed together. • Read a romantic bedtime story to your lover. • Shut off all electronics for Valentine’s Day — no phones, no cell phones, no computers, no PDA, no television — just the two of you.

You see, the best things in life are, indeed, free. In these tough economic times, people are looking to save money at every turn. And the truth is, love — true love — should never be about money. As they song says, “Money can’t buy you love.” Our 27 years of research on successful marriage has revealed to us that true love, true commitment, and truly successful marriages are based on many things, but how much money you spend on the one you love is almost never an indication of real love.

In life, love, and marriage, the most important gift you can give to the one you love is the gift of time. Why should Valentine’s Day 2012 be any different?

We have been married for nearly 44 years. Valentine’s Day has always been special for us. We make a point each year to NOT spend money on each other on this special day. If you follow our advice to you, expect the most wonderful Valentine’s Day ever!

Simple Things Matter in love and marriage. Love well!

About the Author:

As America’s #1 Love and Marriage Experts, award-winning authors, and the SelfGrowth.com Official Guides to Marriage, Drs. Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz help international audiences answer questions about love, marriage and relationships. With 26 years of research on love and successful marriage across six continents of the world and their own 43-year marriage, the Doctors know what makes relationships work.

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About Howard Mahere

I'm a Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency enthusiast ; motivator; author of "AN IMMIGRANT WITH A PLAN" and a John C Maxwell certified speaker .
Happily married to Emely and a father to one son and two daughters.
My greatest joy comes from inspiring others to maximize their potential. I feel fulfilled when I bring hope to the hopeless and encouragement to the discouraged.
The truth is, we each have a past, and it's either our prison, our excuse OR our springboard to a brighter future. The choice is yours but as for me, I made up my mind a long time ago to use my dysfunctional tough childhood as a stepping stone .
The late Zig Ziglar used to say "It's not what happens to you that determines how far you will go in life, it is how you handle what happens to you."
This is my story and I am sticking to it!